Spraying Latex Paint

The basics of spraying latex paint with an HVLP spraygun. February 19, 2006

Question
I have a Graco HVLP CX-9 Turbine and an .020 tip in the gun. I can't spray latex enamel successfully. All paints have gone to latex over linseed oil base where I could thin with product. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor J:
Latex requires at least a .061-.072 tip and probably different air cap as well.

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From contributor G:
I would suggest that you ask your paint manufacturer's tech rep for some help with this.

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From contributor H:
You will need a tip size greater than .55 and/or in addition you will need to reduce the viscosity of the material you are spraying

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From contributor D:
Here are a few things you may want to consider.

1. Bigger nozzle/needle.
2. Thin your latex with water until you get it to match the rated viscosity of your needle/nozzle.
3. Increase your fluid pressure if you are using a remote pot.

Adding water to water-base finishes is always iffy. But since it is latex paint that you are spraying, in all likelihood all you are doing by adding water is decreasing the paint's ability to cover/hide with color. Every few minutes you will need to clean off the paint from the tip of your nozzle. Use an acid brush and dip it in acetone to do this. Then, wipe with a rag and continue spraying.

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From contributor C:
If you are spraying latex paint I would recommend using a flow additive, such as FLOTROL. It will keep the paint wet longer and also aides in getting the sticky paint through the gun.